EngineeringSouth Austral ia

ContentsA Message from the President . . . . . . . . . .2

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

National President Visits Division . . . . .4-5

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7

Infrastructure Report Card Launch . . . .8-9

News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Membership Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Your Professional Development . . . . . . 12

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Communiqué - continuedRatings are given below for the current and past South Australian and National Report Cards.

Infrastructure Type South Australia 2010

South Australia 2005 National 2005

National 2001

Roads overallNational roadsState roads Local roads

C-CCD

Not ratedCC-D

CC+CC-

Not ratedCC-D

Rail C C ARTCB- MetropolitanD Regional

C- D-

Ports B- Not rated C+ BAirports B- Not rated B BPotable water B B- Metropolitan

C Non-metropolitanB- C

Wastewater B- C+ MetropolitanC- Non-metropolitan

C+ C-

Stormwater D D C- DIrrigation C+ Not rated C- D-

Electricity B- B- C+ B-Gas B+ B+

B+ TransmissionA- DistributionB+ LP Gas

C+ C

Telecommunications C Not rated Not rated B

RecommendationsEngineers Australia recommends the following to improve the standard of South Australia’s infrastructure:

Further integrate State-wide planning, especially transport strategies, to improve the movement of people and freight. Encourage shifts in transport modes from road to rail for freight, and from private to public transport for people. Increase funding for all infrastructure, including maintenance and renewal, to ensure the State’s long term productivity.Prioritise the development of port infrastructure in regional South Australia to support the emerging mineral resources sector.Continue to increase the diversity of water supply options, including greater take up of recycled water.Deliver improvements to stormwater infrastructure in flood prone areas and apply careful planning to new urban infill schemes.Increase efforts to achieve the State’s sustainability objectives with regard to energy use, especially with respect to base load electricity generation.Provide a financial and regulatory environment that facilitates the creation of renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure to meet the State Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets.Give further consideration to road infrastructure funding alternatives to enable earlier provision of key road links.

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A Message From The President

Division Partners

Division Supporters

Sponsors Last month, during the hectic activity around our Infrastructure Report Card launch, National President Prof Doug Hargreaves FIEAust CPEng EngExec visited South Australia . Each year we host our National President and take him (or her) to visit some of the important engineering sites that underpin our economy . I can report that he greatly enjoyed visiting SAGE Automation, RAAF Edinburgh, the Desalination Plant, SA Water’s Victor Harbor waste water treatment plant, and ASC Ltd. Importantly Doug also officially opened our King William Street Division office and unveiled a plaque that is now prominently displayed in our foyer . For members with an historical interest the opening plaque from Bagot St is now cleaned and on display on the wall in Sir Robert Chapman Theatre . The original Title Deed for our former Bagot Street premises is framed and hanging in the Walter Stamm Boardroom .

July marks the beginning of the cycle of Division Committee renewal every year . This year, for the first time, all of the Divisions across Australia are following the same timetable and countdown to AGMs and Division Committee changeovers . During last month’s Division Committee meeting your Committee elected Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec as President 2011 and Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng as Deputy President 2011 . Congratulations to both David and Gerry and on behalf of all of our SA Division members I wish you well for next year. Having seen the terrific contributions that you have made already on Division Committee I know that our SA Division is in good hands .

The next step in renewal is the election of Division Committee members for 2011 . Nominations close very soon so don’t hold back . There are six elected positions on Division Committee and voting will be conducted electronically using the Australian Electoral Company as we did last year . This is your opportunity to put forward your ideas on what Engineers Australia should do whilst taking the opportunity to grow your network and career into another dimension . Service on Division Committee involves only a few hours per month which is a tiny commitment compared to the impact that your contributions can make .

Our Engineering Excellence Awards Dinner is just around the corner too . There have been some strong infrastructure projects however these have been rivalled by projects and achievements from non traditional areas . The number of entries was up this year leading to fierce competition. Make sure that you come along to share the evening with us at the National Wine Centre, always a great venue . The winning entries from South Australia will move into the national

judging round announced at the National Dinner in Canberra in November . Thanks to the judging panel of Barry Grear AO FIPENZ HonFIEAust CPEng, Ben Rice MIEAust CPEng, Ross Milton FIEAust CPEng, Clive Blanchard MIEAust CPEng, David Linn FIEAust CPEng (Ret), Don Sinnott FIEAust CPEng, Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec, Frank Siow MIEAust CPEng, Jason Rollison MIEAust CPEng, Peter Forward FIEAust CPEng, Phil Crawley FIEAust CPEng, Prof . Gus Nathan PhD FIEAust CPEng and South Australia Division Executive Director Caroline Argent . Thank you also to our Chief Judges this year, Kim Read OAM FIEAust CPEng (Ret) and Ross Milton FIEAust CPEng (Ret) .

When I commenced as President in 2008, Engineers Australia had recently conducted a survey of 5000 members to measure member attitudes . One of the questions asked members to specify where they wanted their organisation to do more . Second on the list was a desire “to be more influential” as a profession . From that response came the idea that has since grown into our SA Division Parliamentary Fellows Program . As reported in my earlier messages the Parliamentary Fellows Program introduces senior Chartered Professional Fellows to individual members of our State Parliament for a two year period during which the Fellow provides a point of contact with the engineering profession and keeps their Parliamentarian up to date . The March 2010 state election saw 13 new Members in Parliament . Since then we have invited all new Members to join our PFP and I am very pleased to advise that six have accepted . With the 18 previous Members that were re-elected there are now 24 PFP relationships in place . The new Members are Ms Rachel Sanderson, Member for Adelaide, Mr Tim Whetstone, Member for Chaffey, Mr Peter Treloar, Member for Flinders, Mr Alan Sibbons, Member for Mitchell, Ms Leesa Vlahos, Member for Taylor and Hon Tammy Jennings, MLC . During June a familiarisation session was conducted for seven new Fellows and introductions to kick off the PFP relationships have begun . So far the PFP has generated many contact opportunities and has raised the level of bilateral understanding for both Members and Fellows .

In my next message I will be able to update you on the outcome of the special meeting of National Congress held on 27th-28th July 2010 to consider proposing an update of our Royal Charter to you as the members of Engineers Australia .

Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng President Engineers Australia South Australia Division

Division Executive

President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng

Deputy President Jeff Walsh FIEAust CPEng

Treasurer Gerry Doyle MIEAust CPEng

Executive Director Caroline Argent

Deputy Director Sarah Carey

Produced By

Engineers Australia South Australia Division

Level 11, 108 King William Street

Adelaide South Australia 5000

tel 08 8202 7100 fax 08 8211 7702

www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa

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Cutting-Edge Technology Strengthens Productivity And Competition

Mine operators establishing new mine sites or expanding their existing operations have adopted a new information modelling practice – Building Information Modelling or BIM – to streamline their site exploration, design and development and begin operations with significantly reduced time and cost .

Coal is our port’s biggest export commodity and is vitally important to both the regional, state and national economies . It is the major contributor to our country’s resources export, sent to more than 20 countries around the world .

While it’s evident that coal is in high demand around the world, particularly in Asia, our mines can be challenged by the high investment necessary to establish and develop mine ventures .

To sustain their leadership position in global resources, Australia’s mines are continually applying new technologies such as BIM to grow capacity and maintain their competitiveness . We have proven ourselves an early adopter of this cutting-edge technique .

BIM provides mine operators with the impetus to greatly decrease their time-to-market by consolidating all facets of mining engineering into one three-dimensional model and allowing them to identify any issues well before construction .

GHD Business Group Manager for Energy and Resources Peter Steele said, “BIM greatly reduces the time and cost that goes into designing, planning and developing a mine site because it provides the multidisciplinary engineering teams with one three-dimensional model from which to operate,” he added.

“BIM shows mine operators the entire facility life cycle, including the processes of construction and facility operation, before construction begins . Traditionally, mine operators have had to overcome the challenges associated with integrating the components of the design as they came up during construction or operation .

“Additionally, the model can simulate the facility’s operations to extend its usefulness beyond the commissioning stage and become an integral part of asset management and future upgrades, without starting from scratch . It applies to the whole site infrastructure, not just the buildings,” Mr. Steele added.

BIM generates a three-dimensional, dynamic model of a design . It highlights to mine operators any issues associated with their planned site’s geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and

quantities and properties of infrastructure components before a bull dozer even scrapes the surface .

“In real terms, this means mine operators can extract design quantities, understand the shared properties of the development including any ‘clashes’ and identify additional scopes of work prior to beginning construction . At the same time, they can also be aware of the systems, assemblies and sequences in a relative scale with the entire facility to avoid expensive re-working,” Mr. Steele said.

If we, as a nation can maintain research and focus on adopting innovations in mining practise and operations, such as BIM, to improve competitiveness on a global scale, we can continue to enjoy the prosperity associated with the rising price of coal, disruptions to supply in key producer nations, and increased demand for their product .

GHD Pty Ltd

A perspective view of a ROM dump hopper, with primary sizer and feed conveyor .

A FREE Chartered Status Workshop will be held for Members and Non Members interested in submitting an application for Chartered Status on Wednesday 22nd September 2010, followed by Tuesday 26th October 2010 . Our National Assessor Ewan Hazeldine will conduct the Chartered Workshop, which will feature invaluable information regarding Engineers Australia, Chartered Status accreditation and tips on writing Career Episode Reports (CERs) and putting together your Chartered Status application .Further dates for workshops can be obtained via the Engineers Australia South Australia Division website at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa or by contacting Membership Officer Nathan Jones on the details below.

Registration is essential. Please contact Nathan Jones on 08 8202 7170 or njones@engineersaustralia.org.au to register your attendance.

Chartered Status Workshops

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National President Visits DivisionThe National President, Prof Doug Hargreaves FIEAust CPEng EngExec, recently visited the South Australia Division and took the opportunity to visit several South Australian engineering projects .

SAGE

Conducted by Adrian Fahey, CEO of SAGE, this visit demonstrated work being undertaken and highlighted the inspiring success story of the SAGE Group .

Prof Hargreaves was also shown the SAGE Didactic Training Centre, where the President’s Prize winning Targeted Technology Introduction Module was developed .

Technical Presentation – Population Growth

With Prof Hargreaves recent discussion about population growth and its ramifications in his President’s message in the June edition of the Engineers Australia National magazine, the opportunity was undertaken to discuss this in more depth with South Australian members .

Aerospace Operational Support Group, RAAF Base Edinburgh

The visit, hosted by WGCDR Tobyn Bearman FIEAust CPEng, demonstrated the significant work undertaken by this Group.

This was an opportunity to see up close some of the craft in use by the RAAF in South Australia and discover some of the solutions being implemented by our Armed Forces .

Desalination Plant

Milind Kumar, Project Director – Adelaide Desalination Project (SA Water) provided a tour of the desalination plant currently under construction in South Australia’s southern suburbs .

This was a great chance to see first hand what engineering solutions have already been implemented and how this plant will output clean, fresh drinking water for South Australia’s future .

Victor Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant

This tour was undertaken by Design and Construction Director Francois Gouws and Communications Manager Caroline Kerkof of United Utilities Australia and allowed Prof Hargreaves to see the amazing work being undertaken in this South Australian project .

This plant treats and recycles water, which it is hoped can be used for irrigation of the city of Victor Harbor and surrounds to reduce demand on drinking water supplies .

ASC

Steve Ludlum, CEO of ASC, provided an overview of ASC, noting their many achievements to date .

A tour of HMAS Rankine, a submarine in current use by the Australian Navy, was undertaken . This provided a real insight into the challenges and maintenance requirements being undertaken by ASC at the moment as well as an insight into the working life of a submariner .

Lochiel Park Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Scheme

This tour, led by Simon White, Waternish Managing Director, showcased the innovative work being undertaken as part of this project .

For those members not familiar with this scheme it involves harvesting and treating stormwater through wetlands before being stored in a underground aquifer until needed . From here it is then distributed through an innovative, and distinctive, series of lilac pipes for toilet flushing, irrigation and other uses.

Prof Hargreaves also took the opportunity to launch the 2010 Infrastructure Report Card for South Australia, host the President’s Boardroom lunch and officially open the new Engineers Australia South Australia Division premises .

The South Australia Division new premises at Level 11, 108 King William Street Adelaide opening occurred on 30th June 2010 . This premises opening night was well attended by a range of people including members, industry, stakeholders and colleagues and, in combination with excellent food and beverages, resulted in a night which was enjoyable and exceptional for catching up with old friends or making new ones .

A plaque was unveiled by Prof Hargreaves on the night commemorating this occasion, which is now proudly displayed outside the Sir Robert Chapman Theatre .

If you have not yet had a chance to visit our new premises it is definitely recommended. Our move to new premises has resulted in an exponential increase in use of meeting rooms and lecture theatre, along with a dramatic increase in attendance and convenience for members .

If you have any questions about our new premises please contact the South Australia Division via sa@engineersaustralia .org .au or call us on 08 8202 7100 .

Thank you to all of the organisations which hosted the National President during his visit and their staff for providing so freely of their time to demonstrate the wonderful achievements being delivered from South Australia . Thank you also to Prof Hargreaves for his time, insights and presence .

Below: Technical Program Coordinator Paul Godden with Mechanical Branch

Chair Dr Michael Evans MIEAust CPEng and SA Divisions Heritage Group Chair

Prof Martin Lambert FIEAust CPEng

Right: Former National

President Walter Stamm

AM FTSE HonFIEAust

CPEng(Ret) with current

National President Prof

Doug Hargreaves FIEAust

CPEng EngExec

Top: People mingle at the SA Division premises opening .

Right: Participants enjoy their meal at the President’s Boardroom Lunch

Below: Prof Hargreaves with Waternish Managing Director Simon White at

the Lochiel Park Aquifer Storage and Recovery Scheme

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Top: Prof Hargreaves at the

Desalination Plant Tour

Left: Prof Hargreaves with

Division President Doug Gillott

FIEAust CPEng unveiling the

new premises plaque

Far Left: Prof Hargreaves at

the Victor Harbor Wastewater

Treatment Plant

Top: People mingle at the SA Division premises opening .

Right: Participants enjoy their meal at the President’s Boardroom Lunch

Below: Prof Hargreaves with Waternish Managing Director Simon White at

the Lochiel Park Aquifer Storage and Recovery Scheme

Left: (left to right) SA Engineering Manager of

SAGE Rob McDonald, Prof Doug Hargreaves, CEO

of SAGE Adrian Fahey and Division President

Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng

Below: Prof Hargreaves addresses an audience

about the topic of population growth

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Infrastructure Type Grade Comment

Wastewater B- This rating recognises that there have been improvements in the funding and asset quality of sewerage networks in both metropolitan and rural areas, a reduction in environmental impacts from sewage, and a continual growth in the reuse of wastewater.

Stormwater D This rating recognises that while stormwater reuse continues to rise in SA, there are a number of areas in Adelaide that remain flood prone and require improved drainage and stormwater infrastructure. In addition, there is a concern that existing stormwater infrastructure will be more frequently overwhelmed due to increased runoff arising from urban infill that creates larger impervious areas.

Irrigation C+ This rating recognises that while there has been improvement in irrigation infrastructure, such as replacing open channels with pipes, constructing salt interception schemes and increasing the use of recycled water, there is concern about the long-term viability of much irrigation infrastructure due to poor management of the total Murray-Darling water resource.

Electricity B- This rating recognises that SA has sufficient generation capacity to meet demand until 2012/13. However, peak demand growth needs to be moderated to prevent high cost, low utilisation infrastructure being required. While the present significant expansion in transmission and distribution network infrastructure is important to rectify key limitations, ongoing growth in wind power and the development of distributed generation will require significant additional investment.

Gas B+ This rating recognises that the two transmission pipelines in the State provide security of supply, and the distribution network is in adequate condition.

Telecommunications C This rating recognises that while telecommunication services are generally available to a high percentage of the population, there are still many blackspots in broadband and mobile coverage, and areas of network vulnerability due to a lack of competitive backhaul.

Infrastructure Type Grade Comment

Roads overallNational roadsState roadsLocal roads

C-CCD

These ratings recognise that significant improvements are needed in road infrastructure, notably a need to address the significant maintenance backlog in regional and metropolitan areas, and growing congestion and slow speeds on major Adelaide arterial roads. Deterioration in the road network is likely unless increased funding for capital works and maintenance occurs, coupled with a reduction in the distance travelled per capita.

Rail C This rating recognises that the metropolitan rail network has experienced a continual decline in service quality over the last 5 years, however significant planned investments should arrest this trend. The intrastate rail network has improved marginally in some areas, but the remainder of this network continues to wither. The interstate network has improved due to selective upgrades by the ARTC, but bottlenecks remain, particularly in the Adelaide Hills and metropolitan areas.

Ports B- This rating recognises that the ports are generally fit for their current purpose. However, major expansion of existing ports or the development of new ports will be needed to accommodate any significant increase in mineral exports.

Airports B- This rating recognises that there have been continual upgrades at Adelaide Airport and regional airports. However, some smaller airports have limited financial means to provide the improved airport infrastructure required to accommodate heavier aircraft and new security measures.

Potable water B This rating recognises that country water supply has improved due to the Country Water Quality Improvement Program, as will metropolitan supply reliability with the completion of the Adelaide Desalination Plant. However, there is a need to continue to increase the diversity of supply in both rural and metropolitan areas, so as to reduce reliance on River Murray water and groundwater, and to reduce demand.

Ratings Summary

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South Australian Infrastructure Report Card 2010On the 29th June 2010 the Engineers Australia 2010 South Australian Infrastructure Report Card was launched . The report card indicates that all sectors of infrastructure need attention, with about half needing major to critical changes .

The South Australian Division President of Engineers Australia, Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng, said at the launch, “While there has been progress in some areas of infrastructure over the past five years, the overall picture clearly shows that South Australia’s infrastructure is stressed.”

The 2010 report card reviewed infrastructure categories across energy, telecommunications, transport and water and assigned ratings within the scales of A – F, and provides many comparisons with the initial 2005 South Australia Infrastructure Report Card . The 2010 report card includes a rating for Airports, Ports, Irrigation, Roads Overall, and Telecommunications, which were not rated in 2005 .

Across the 2010 report card categories - six receive a good “B” – needing minor changes - six receive a “C” - needing major changes; and two receive a “D” - needing critical changes. The 2010 report shows that reasonable improvements have been made since 2005 in the areas of State Roads, Potable Water and Wastewater . The ratings for Electricity, Gas, Local and National Roads, Rail, and Stormwater have remained the same .

“While significant investment in new infrastructure is required, of critical importance is the maintenance of existing infrastructure rather than waiting for it to fail .

“More strategic planning and actions needs to be taken now to ensure that the State has liveable, productive and sustainable cities, towns and regions for our future,” Gillott said.

Recommendations of the Report include:

• Further integration of State-wide planning, especially transport strategies, to improve the movement of people and freight;

• Shifts in transport modes from road to rail for freight, and from private to public transport for people;

• Increased funding for all infrastructure, including maintenance and renewal, to ensure the State’s long term productivity;

• Prioritised development of port infrastructure in regional South Australia to support the emerging mineral resources sector;

Division President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng

answers questions from the media .

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• Continued diversity of water supply options, including greater take up of recycled water;

• Deliver improvements to stormwater infrastructure in flood prone areas and apply careful planning to new urban infill schemes;

• Increase efforts to achieve the State’s sustainability objectives with regard to energy use, especially with respect to base load electricity generation;

• Provide a financial and regulatory environment that facilitates the creation of renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure to meet the State Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets; and

• Give further consideration to road infrastructure funding alternatives to enable earlier provision of key road links .

The South Australian report card is the third released in the new series that will be completed for all States and Territories by November 2010 .

The Infrastructure Report Card was also officially launched to our members at a Luncheon on the same day . At the luncheon the Infrastructure Report Card was discussed in more depth and a panel, comprising Engineers Australia Chief Executive Peter Taylor FIEAust CPEng FASCE FIPWEA, Division President Doug Gillott FIEAust CPEng, Steering Committee Member Dr David Cruickshanks-Boyd FIEAust EngExec and Athol Yates MIEAust, answered questions from the audience .

The launch and panel were followed with an exceptionally engaging speech from Captain Daniel Waugh GradIEAust about his experiences rebuilding infrastructure in Afghanistan, where he was stationed in May 2009 .

This was a truly unique opportunity to hear about the challenges faced in performing infrastructure work under extreme conditions . It was also a chance to hear about the work being undertaken by Australian engineers in Afghanistan with a frank, first hand perspective and our member response has been nothing but positive regarding this opportunity .

For further information or to obtain a copy of the report please visit the website at www .engineersaustralia .org .au/ircsa or contact the South Australia Division via sa@engineersaustralia .org .au or by calling 08 8202 7100 .

Communiqué - continuedRatings are given below for the current and past South Australian and National Report Cards.

Infrastructure Type South Australia 2010

South Australia 2005 National 2005

National 2001

Roads overallNational roadsState roads Local roads

C-CCD

Not ratedCC-D

CC+CC-

Not ratedCC-D

Rail C C ARTCB- MetropolitanD Regional

C- D-

Ports B- Not rated C+ BAirports B- Not rated B BPotable water B B- Metropolitan

C Non-metropolitanB- C

Wastewater B- C+ MetropolitanC- Non-metropolitan

C+ C-

Stormwater D D C- DIrrigation C+ Not rated C- D-

Electricity B- B- C+ B-Gas B+ B+

B+ TransmissionA- DistributionB+ LP Gas

C+ C

Telecommunications C Not rated Not rated B

RecommendationsEngineers Australia recommends the following to improve the standard of South Australia’s infrastructure:

Further integrate State-wide planning, especially transport strategies, to improve the movement of people and freight. Encourage shifts in transport modes from road to rail for freight, and from private to public transport for people. Increase funding for all infrastructure, including maintenance and renewal, to ensure the State’s long term productivity.Prioritise the development of port infrastructure in regional South Australia to support the emerging mineral resources sector.Continue to increase the diversity of water supply options, including greater take up of recycled water.Deliver improvements to stormwater infrastructure in flood prone areas and apply careful planning to new urban infill schemes.Increase efforts to achieve the State’s sustainability objectives with regard to energy use, especially with respect to base load electricity generation.Provide a financial and regulatory environment that facilitates the creation of renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure to meet the State Government’s ambitious renewable energy targets.Give further consideration to road infrastructure funding alternatives to enable earlier provision of key road links.

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Report Card Launch Luncheon, 29th June 2010

Captain Daniel Waugh GradIEAust discusses his experiences

in Afghanistan at the luncheon

Nathan JonesMember Relationship Manager Engineers Australia South Australia Division

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Engineers enjoy numbers, so I will put them out there right at the start: 15 countries, 6 months, 16,000+ kilometres of overland travel and 1 very happy young engineer .

This year I’m taking a sabbatical from the engineering profession to travel and undertake volunteer work internationally . I’m working with the Student Platform for Engineering Education Development (SPEED), an international not-for-profit organisation working to develop initiatives within the engineering education sector: finding ways to make the university experience more focussed on environmental and social need, while encouraging a diverse and engaged student body . During my travels I have met up and worked with student groups to learn about local initiatives and share my experiences in the field.

The plan has been rough, but the results have been inspiring. After flying to South East Asia, the entire trip has been undertaken at ground level – using public transportation including buses, trains, ferries tuk-tuks and even on the back of an elephant in northern Thailand . This local approach has been an eye-opening way to explore the diverse cultures and get a real feel for everyday life . The trip has taken me for a long zigzag through South East Asia across Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam before starting the long journey north-west, across the full length of the Asian continent . It took a month of trains to travel the length of China (with diversions to Hong Kong and Macau), a week or two detour to visit the stunning landscape of Mongolia and then the Trans-Siberian Railway across Russia, the largest country of them all . Currently I am back on the move in Eastern Europe after a full passport put the travels on hold and left me stuck for a few weeks in Estonia .

The sense of community amongst the international engineering profession has been outstanding . People have been overwhelmingly hospitable and it has been the friend-of-a-friend connections that have led to the most engaging meetings – whether they be for local seafood dinners in southern Malaysia or a home-stay with a local Russian family in Siberia . I have, of course, offered to return the favour should any of my kind hosts come to Adelaide, but I’m a little worried that if they visit at the same time it will be like hosting the United Nations!

‘Technical Travel’ – a focus on broadening my professional knowledge through visiting sites of engineering significance – has been incredibly rewarding. It’s hard not to be moved by the way in which engineers and technicians have had a real impact on history when you visit these extraordinary sites: the beautiful and impressive Great Wall of China cutting across the mountainous terrain or the Trans-Siberian Railway linking Europe and the Far East. The modern achievements are no less significant and seeing the Petronas Towers light up the Kuala Lumpur skyline and riding the Shanghai maglev train at 431kph were similarly impressive . One real highlight was attending the World Expo in Shanghai, a true Disneyland for engineers . The theme for the event – which runs for a full six months – is “Better Cities, Better Life” and showcases pavilions from over 190 countries .

There are more great collaboration events coming up that I’m looking forward to, including presenting at the World Youth Congress in Turkey and at an Engineering Education Conference in Slovakia, both during the European summer . The global tour is, however, far from over and after Europe I will be spending time

investigating sustainability projects in Central America before making my way home for a much-awaited Coopers Pale Ale .

Julian O’Shea MIEAust CPEng Julian O’Shea is the International Outreach Officer for SPEED and is the 2009 Young South Australian of the Year.

From Adelaide To The World: A Young Engineer’s Global Odyssey

Julian Hiking the Great Wall of China

Taking a Break in Tallinn, Estonia

The telephone numbers may remain the same but for around 900 employees of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) life in the city is pretty different . After a 45 year stay in the purpose built Highways building at Walkerville the last staff will move to newly renovated offices at 77 Grenfell Street at the end of June.

The 18 story former SA Water building has undergone a complete refit to accommodate DTEI Transport Services Division staff on the lower floors, and Safety and Regulation Division staff on the upper floors. The building owner has undertaken services upgrades and installed T5 lighting throughout the building . A 4 .5 Star NABERS Energy Rating has been targeted .

The old Highways building has been purchased by a Victorian based hotel group .

DTEI’s Transport Division address is 77 Grenfell Street and by post is GPO Box 1533 .

End Of An Era At Walkerville

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Brant Lang – ConsultantTechnical & Engineering

Mps People Solutions

Level 9 | 55 Currie Street

Adelaide SA 5000

P | 08 8210 8585

F | 08 8210 8500

mpsgroup.com.au

Did You Know?

Burning Mountain is a feature near

Wingen, New South Wales, Australia,

approximately 300 kilometres north of

Sydney. It takes its name from a naturally

combusting coal seam running

underground through the sandstone.

According to Smithsonian magazine,

“Scientists estimate that Australia’s

Burning Mountain, the oldest known coal

fire, has burned for 6,000 years.”

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Update from Mps People Solutions

With energy prices predicted to continue rising, mounting concerns about the security of electricity supply and environmental issues are more prevalent in day-to-day discussions, the World will see major developments in the energy sector. To combat these matters, the energy sector along with Government bodies, are heavily investing into new intelligent technologies. The greatest potential for decreasing costs, increasing supply and efficiency, and reducing emissions is by the way of implementing a smart grid throughout the entire value chain of electricity.

A smart grid is a modernised electricity grid that efficiently manages electricity supply and demand. It works by combining advanced communication, sensing and metering infrastructure with the existing electricity network. It can also provide preference to renewable generated energy over conventional fossil fuels.

Offers and Contracts

Focus on Smart Grids

The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency uses the analogy of our current electricity system like an old car. It works well but is not very efficient and is sometimes unreliable. Like a modern car, a smart grid makes the electricity system work smarter and better; it conducts regular checks to see what needs attention and reduces running costs in the long term, and includes active automated systems that can respond to changing conditions and emergency situations.

Smart grids have enormous potential to improve the efficiency of our electricity sector and transform the way we use energy in our homes and businesses. As a result the Australian Government has committed up to $100 million to develop the “Smart Grid, Smart City” demonstration project in partnership with the energy sector. Australia’s first commercial-scale smart grid will be based in Newcastle, New South Wales, in a demonstration project that will lead to Australia-wide advances in energy management.

This initiative demonstrates Australia's position at the forefront of global efforts to use energy more efficiently, ensure network reliability and combat climate change. To remain at the forefront of this industry, there is and will continue to be a major shortage of specialised engineers.

Making it to an offer can be a very exciting time in your career, especially if it is your first position. This month’s article will cover what to look for in an offer of employment, whilst next month we will cover the tricky part of informing your current employer of your intention to leave and how to manage counter offers.

One of the most important things you should do before accepting an offer and joining an organisation is to know the terms and conditions of employment. You will be sent a formal offer letter in the post (or electronically) which may or may not be accompanied by a Contract of Employment or Statement of Terms. Make sure you read this carefully and ensure it meets your expectations and doesn’t contain any surprises. The Contract of Employment should contain the following information:

• Job Description • Commencement date • Salary • Is there a probationary period? • Hours of work

If you are unsure of the terms and conditions of employment, or want to clarify any aspects of the offer, speak to your recruitment consultant or the hiring manager. Once you are clear about the terms of the offer and feel comfortable with the formal letter, you can sign the document and look forward to starting your new role.

• Sick Leave entitlements• Holiday Leave entitlements• Details of notice period • Rate and method of pay including any bonus structure

Update From Mps People Solutions

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Welcome And CongratulationsThe South Australia Division would like to welcome the 532 members who joined or readmitted to Engineers Australia and congratulate the 124 members who upgraded between the 1st January 2010 and the 30th June 2010 . Thanks to the support of our members the South Australia Division finished the financial year with over 6,200 members (over 93,000 Engineers Australia members worldwide) and has held over 270 meetings, site visits and technical presentations so far in 2010 .

In particular the South Australia Division would like to congratulate the following members:

Obtained or Readmitted to Chartered Status

Mr P A Bermingham OMIEAust CEngO

Mr V P Cantone MIEAust CPEng

Miss S Q Chong MIEAust CPEng

Mr M T Dunn MIEAust CPEng

Mr F C Gonzalez MIEAust CPEng BEng MSc

Mr D B Hands MIEAust CPEng

Mr R K Hejde MIEAust CPEng

Mr N K Hough MIEAust CPEng

Mr T N S Htut MIEAust CPEng

Mr D M Kazaniecki OMIEAust CEngO

Mr C Hughes MIEAust CPEng

Mr D Kim MIEAust CPEng

Mr J Muller MIEAust CPEng

Mr J O’Shea MIEAust CPEng

Mr B Oxlade MIEAust CPEng

Mr C R Parken MIEAust CPEng

Mr A B Reynolds MIEAust CPEng

Mr A J Storer FIEAust CPEng

Mr G R Taylor OMIEAust CEngO

Mr D Z Yong MIEAust CPEng

Mr P L Harper MIEAust CPEng

Mr N B Aminudin MIEM MIEAust CPEng

Mr P Harris MIMechE MIEAust CPEng

Mr S J Simpson MIEAust CPEng

CDRE S J Tiffen CSM FIEAust CPEng

New or Readmitted Fellows

WGCDR T Bearman FIEAust CPEng

Mr G L Hill OFIEAust

Dr D J Walker FIEAust

CDRE S J Tiffen CSM FIEAust CPEng

Dr P J Dillon FIEAust

Mr T Mosquera FIEAust CPEng

Mr A J Storer FIEAust CPEng

SA Member Celebrates A MilestoneEngineers Australia South Australia Division Hall of Fame member Dr Ron Fitch OBE FIEAust CPEng celebrated his 100th birthday this year . In honour of this milestone Ron was presented with a certificate at the South Australia Division Office on the 24th June 2010 .

About Ron Fitch

Dr Ron Fitch was born in June 1910 in Melbourne . In 1927 he entered the University of Western Australia under a cadetship from the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) . After graduation Fitch commenced work with the WAGR .

In 1949 Fitch was awarded his Master of Engineering degree and in the same year joined the Commonwealth Railways as Chief Civil Engineer . In his new role, Fitch had significant close personal contact with, and respect for, the men and women located in remote Australia . In 1954 Fitch joined the South Australian Railways as Assistant to the Railways Commissioner and, in 1965, was appointed Railways Commissioner . In 1973 Fitch retired to travel and become ‘Station Master’ at the non existent Kingscote railway station .

Fitch wrote 2 books between 1986 and 1993 and, as his wife’s health began to fail, he dedicated himself to caring for her and began work on his PhD thesis from

home . The University of New South Wales awarded his PhD in 2002 . His award at the age of 92 is recorded by Guinness World Records Ltd . as the “..oldest person to be awarded a doctorate(PhD)..”

Fitch has been a member of Engineers Australia for 76 years and in 2008 Fitch was admitted to the SouthAustralia Division Hall of Fame . He has been involved in all aspects of the engineering profession and practiced the belief that life long learning, understanding the importance of the role of all members of a team, and respect for everyone, is necessary for the achievement of engineering excellence .

Left to right: Executive Director Caroline Argent, Division President Doug Gillott FIEAust

CPEng, Dr Ron Fitch OBE FIEAust CPEng, Phil Campbell FRAeS CEng FIEAust CPEng and Dr Ron

Fitch’s Son Philip Fitch PhD FIEAust CPEng

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Membership Profile

Why did you decide to become an engineer?

To make a difference .

What project are you working on now?

The Network Water Security Program – A program of works SA Water is running which aims to improve the security of Adelaide’s water supply through interconnectivity of Adelaide’s Northern and Southern water networks, and optimisation of SA Water’s bulk water delivery and network operations management .

What do you like the most about the engineering profession?

I like the variety; getting to do something new and different every day .

What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession?

Dependence on fossil fuels

Who has provided you with the greatest amount of inspiration in your career?

I draw inspiration from a wide range of people; family, friends, colleagues, other people who have been successful in their chosen fields...

The greatest engineering achievement is?

Too many to pick just one! In recent times, the internet .

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with my husband and beautiful baby girl, procuring new additions for my ever-growing shoe collection .

What do you think you will be doing five years from now?

Could be anything . . . that’s the beauty of engineering – you never know what might be your next project!

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?

Switzerland . I had the opportunity to visit there a few years ago and it is such a beautiful place .

What is your motto?

It’s not what you know, it’s what you do with what you know

Who would you most like to meet?

Barack Obama

Engineering In QueenslandIf you are providing a professional engineering service in Queensland, you need to read this article .

The Professional Engineers Act 2002 (QLD), and superseded legislation, has been in place since 1930 . You must know how the Queensland law applies to you, even if you live and work in another State or overseas .

The stated objective of the Act is to protect the public by ensuring professional engineering services are provided by Registered Professional Engineers (RPEQ) in a professional and competent way. The Act is also in place to maintain public confidence in the standard of service provided by RPEQ and to uphold those standards of practice . The Act achieves its objectives through a Statutory Board, which registers RPEQ and enforces compliance with the Act .

If you provide an engineering service that requires, or is based on, the application of engineering principles and data to a design, or to a construction or production activity, relating to engineering this Act may apply to you if you work in Queensland or if your client is based in Queensland . The Act covers engineering design and construction as well as engineering input to manufacturing and production installations such as oil refineries and chemical plants.

The Act binds all persons, including the Queensland Government . It also may apply to Defence engineers who work in Queensland or who do engineering designs elsewhere that lead to construction or installations in Queensland . Similarly, academics and CSIRO engineering staff probably need to be registered if they are offering consultancy services .

It is an offence under the Act to provide an engineering service if you are not registered by the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland . The only exception is for individuals who practise under the supervision of registered professional engineers registered in the same area of engineering . If you provide an engineering service while you are not registered, the Board can prosecute you, not your employer! Applying for registration after you have committed an offence is too late and will not avoid prosecution…

For more information about registration on the RPEQ please visit www .engineersaustralia .org .au/nerb/ or contact the BPEQ via www .bpeq .qld .gov .au/AM/Template or by calling 07 3224 6032 .

Michelle Thompson MIEAust CPEng

The views expressed in Engineering South Australia News are not necessarily those of Engineers Australia South Australia Division.

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Your Professional Development

Date Time Host Event Contact Email

September 2010

Wednesday 1st 7 .15am CELM SALeadership Development Series Session 9

Venue: Sebel Playford, North Terrace ADELAIDECatherine Chamberlain cchamberlain@engineersaustralia .org .au

Wednesday 1st 5 .30pmJoint Chemical

Engineering CommitteeTechnical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Thursday 2nd 5 .30pmRailway Technical Society

of AustralasiaTechnical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Wednesday 80 12 .00pm IET Retired Vehicle Crash Reconstruction Techniques & Applications Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Thursday 9th 6 .00pmSociety of Building

Services EngineeringTechnical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Friday 10th 6 .30pm Engineers Australia2010 South Australian Engineering Excellence Awards

Venue: National Wine Centre ADELAIDECatherine Chamberlain cchamberlain@engineersaustralia .org .au

Monday 13th - Tuesday 14th 8 .00amEngineering Education

AustraliaWorkshop: Contract Management

Engineering Education

Australiainfo@eeaust .com .au

Tuesday 14th 5 .30pm JTP Mechanical Bio-Diesel, Hydrogen and Electric Motorbike Research Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Wednesday 15th 12 .30pm Retired Engineers Group Woomera Testing Tomorrow’s Systems Today Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Thursday 16th - Friday 17th 8 .00amEngineering Education

Australia

Course: Project Management - Module 1 - Project

Management Fundamentals

Engineering Education

Australiainfo@eeaust .com .au

Wednesday 22nd 5 .30pm Engineers AustraliaChartered Workshop - Prepare your Chartered

Status ApplicationNathan Jones njones@engineersaustralia .org .au

August 2010 - September 2010. Unless published otherwise all presentations are scheduled for the Engineers Australia South Australia Division Office. Event details are subject to change. Please check our website prior to event for current information and office location updates. Please note the South Australia Division has relocated premises. Our new address is Level 11, 108 King William Street ADELAIDE SA 5000

Online registration for many events is now available directly through the South Australia Division Website Events Section at www.engineersaustralia.org.au/sa

Date Time Host Event Contact Email

August 2010

Thursday 19th 5 .30pm Footings Group Technical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Wednesday 25th 5 .00pmSoftware Engineering and

Architecture JTP GroupTechnical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Wednesday 25th - Thursday

26th8 .00am

Engineering Education

AustraliaWorkshop: Writing Winning Technical Documents

Engineering Education

Australiainfo@eeaust .com .au

Thursday 26th 5 .00pmAustralian Geomechanics

SocietyTechnical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Tuesday 31st 5 .00pmElectrical Energy Society of

AustraliaETSA’s Demand Side Management Initiative Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Tuesday 31st 5 .00pm Royal Aeronautical Society Technical Presentation Paul Godden pgodden@engineersaustralia .org .au

Articles WelcomeDo you have feedback about the Engineering South Australia newsletter or an article you would like included? We would love to hear from you!

Feedback and articles can be submitted to Nathan Jones Membership Officer via njones@engineersaustralia.org.au or by phoning 08 8202 7170

South Australia Division

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